Prakash Gawas completed his Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the Polytechnique Montréal in Canada, and has applied his research to real-world problems
PANAJI
It was his desire to learn and find joy in puzzles and logical problems that motivated a curious and shy child from the quiet and remote village of Chandel in Pernem taluka to complete his M.Tech from the prestigious IIT Bombay and more recently, a PhD in the field of Applied Mathematics and Operations Research at Polytechnique Montréal, Canada.
GOAN BACKGROUND
Dr Prakash Gawas is originally from Chandel-Pernem, a quiet and remote village in Goa surrounded by nature and tradition. His father is Arjun Gawas, a Police Sub Inspector with the Goa Police and a recipient of the Goa CM Gold Medal, and Asmita Gawas, an Assistant Sub Inspector with the Goa Police. He has a sister, Ankita, who is based in Goa.
“However, I grew up in Mapusa, where life was simple and grounded. Discipline—thanks to strict parents—was a constant at both home and school. From an early age, I was a curious child, always eager to learn, though shy and with a small circle of friends. I found joy in puzzles, logical problems, and sports—interests that helped shape my personality and sharpen my thinking,” said Dr Gawas.
He pursued his early schooling at St Anthony’s High School, Duler, and later at St Britto’s High School, Mapusa, and the DM Kushe Higher Secondary School.
“These formative years were more than just academic—they built my work ethic, values, and especially nurtured my love for mathematics.”
“After by higher secondary school, I joined Goa Engineering College (GEC) for a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In hindsight, Mechanical wasn’t the best fit for me—it didn’t align with my deeper interests,” said Dr Gawas.
“But this unexpected turn became a blessing. GEC offered several applied math courses, and it was here that I discovered my passion. Among them, Operations Research (OR) stood out—it brought together mathematical modelling, optimisation, and real-world decision-making, applicable in logistics, healthcare, and workforce planning. That was a turning point.”
GOA TO MUMBAI
Motivated by this newfound interest, Dr Gawas pursued a master’s in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research (IEOR) at IIT Bombay, qualifying through the tough GATE 2015 exam.
“Moving to Bombay was a big step—my first time away from home. Life at IITB was rigorous and demanding but deeply rewarding. It pushed me to grow—both intellectually and personally—and taught me the importance of self-reliance and adaptability,” recalled Dr Gawas.
“At IIT Bombay, my professors saw my dedication and encouraged me to consider a PhD. After evaluating several options, I chose the Department of Mathematics and Industrial Engineering at the Polytechnique Montréal, Canada, for its strong research environment and secured a scholarship to pursue my doctorate.”
MUMBAI TO MONTREAL
Dr Gawas admitted that moving to Canada came with challenges: adjusting to a new culture, a colder climate, and a French-speaking environment.
“The early years were tough, with moments of doubt and loneliness. Even during my PhD, progress was slow at first. I often questioned myself, especially when my research didn’t produce good results. But I stayed patient and focused. In my third year, I made a key breakthrough that boosted my confidence—and from there, things picked up significantly,” said Dr Gawas.
Dr Gawas successfully completed his Ph.D. in the field of Applied Mathematics and Operations Research.
RESEARCH IN CANADA
Dr Gawas said his research is focused on building mathematical models and algorithms to support smarter decision-making under uncertainty.
“What made my work unique was integrating machine learning with traditional optimisation, enabling real-time, data-driven solutions. I applied these methods to real-world problems—including workforce scheduling for a Montreal-based company and healthcare scheduling involving patients and nurses—areas where efficiency and fairness are crucial,” explained Dr Gawas.
“I’ve had the opportunity to present my research at major conferences in Italy and Sweden. These experiences helped me share my work with international experts and build lasting academic connections. This summer, I’ll be heading to the UK for two more conferences to continue learning and networking within the global research community.”
Dr Gawas is presently a temporary researcher at CIRRELT, working with his PhD supervisor on a research article.
“To further deepen my expertise and contribute more meaningfully to my field, I plan to pursue postdoctoral studies,” he said.
His professional experience includes roles such as Data Analyst at Bloom Energy and Operations Research Intern at Merinio, Montreal.
GOAN IDENTITY
Dr Gawas acknowledged that his Goan identity has been a grounding force.
“The values I absorbed growing up—humility, resilience, and respect—have stayed with me and helped shape my academic and personal journey. Goa’s strong technical education system gave me a solid foundation,” said Dr Gawas.
Asked for his advice to young Goans, Dr Gawas said: “I would advise them to dream big, but stay grounded. Don’t fear stepping outside your comfort zone. Challenges will come, and success may not be immediate.”
“I was never an outstanding student—no gold medals or top ranks—but I got here through sheer hard work, persistence, and a commitment to continuous learning. If you stay focused and keep growing, you can go far. And wherever you go, carry your Goan identity with pride—it will always be your strength.”
